Somewhere around 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, New Orleans rocketed spontaneously into the biggest celebration in its 300-year history. As much as the city wanted it – as much as every single citizen felt the possibility that it could happen – still, when the New Orleans Saints actually snatched victory out of the grip of the Indianapolis Colts, the moment was unbelievable. For a stunning moment, the city, and every fan across Louisiana, couldn’t quite grasp that their team had won the Super Bowl.

The moment passed, and New Orleans launched into a sea of screaming fans spilling out of homes and onto sidewalks. Two days later, an estimated 800,000 people lined a downtown parade route to thank the team for the unparalleled joy they had brought to the city.

The parade began at the Louisiana Super Dome and wound several miles through downtown New Orleans. Spectacular floats, loaned to the parade from various Carnival krewes that will stage their own parades this week, carried team members, coaches and staff. Saints owner Tom Benson and his wife, and Executive Vice President Rita Benson Leblanc rode the lead float. Quarterback Drew Brees and much of the offensive line came next, with Brees hurling Carnival beads, trinkets and even miniature footballs into the adoring crowd.

On subsequent floats, Jeremy Shockey danced and tossed beads, next to beloved former Saints tailback Deuce McAlister. Running back Reggie Bush sang rap lyrics and gyrated to the team's adopted theme song, "Stand Up and Get Crunk," as he whirled beads through the air. Safety Darren Sharper and cornerback Tracy Porter sang and danced to the “Get Crunk” theme, rocking the float and sending fans into a frenzy. And head coach Sean Payton – the glimmering Super Bowl trophy never leaving his grip – stood atop the final float surrounded by his family and blowing kisses to the crowd.

The parade, with a dozen floats, a half-dozen marching bands and a military honor guard, took several hours to wind through the city, allowing fans to have "quality time" with their heroes. When Coach Payton's float lingered in front of Gallier Hall – where the official parade reviewing stand held Mayor Ray Nagin, U.S. Senator's Mary Landrieu and David Vitter, the Louisiana congressmen and the New Orleans City Council members – Nagin lifted a champagne glass in a toast to the coach and team. Payton lifted his glass, too, then promised: "We'll see you again this time next year."

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints, the state of Louisiana and the entire Gulf Coast community of fans who have been loyal supporters of the team. It’s a thrilling time to be in New Orleans, and the excitement continues! excitement continues!